People & Places

Best College Player Orange County 2009 - Ryan Ammerman

Readers' Choice: Matt Barkley

His nickname is "Ammo" and coaches at opposing colleges call him "a stud," but life on the volleyball court wasn't always easy for Ryan Ammerman. The 6-foot-9, UC Irvine social-sciences major struggled with inconsistent play as a junior on a team loaded with talent. But what the Colorado native accomplished this year was nothing short of phenomenal. In Utah this past May, Ammerman helped lead the 'Eaters to the national championship over USC with a performance that won him Most Outstanding Player honors, based on his 13 total blocks, 55 set assists and six kills.